Upside down in special pumps

In response to Lies by Jo Shapcott

I prefer the lambs.

No restrictions.

Excitement in everyday things.

Laughter, like we laughed when young.

Dancing, like we danced when young.

Able to jump and play unselfconsciously.

You can give me special pumps -

       and I will long for the footwear that has been stolen -

       the youth, the freedom, the joy.

I don’t want to walk across the sky upside down.

I want to be in the field, not having to think, or plan.

Or balance.

Who wants reality?

When reality weighs us down, makes us forget to frolic.

Lies.

As children we pretend.

We dream, we imagine – anything seems possible.

We have hopes.

As adults we believe the lie.

We can’t do this – we shouldn’t do that!

The lies become our truths.

We need to be careful, not take chances.

We have responsibilities!

No room for error.